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A broadband phone is used with a broadband Internet connection to make phone calls. Telecommunication companies set up infrastructure that can transfer voice data from one end to another, allowing consumers to make calls through traditional digital phones without realizing that the calls are being transmitted via the internet. The voice is received from the phone and broken down into data packets and sent through the internet to a receiving station. The receiving station then translates the data back into voice data so that the intended receiver understands the information sent as if he was talking to the person with the use of a regular phone. A slower Internet connection makes the voice signal choppy and unclear, so it is important to have a quality broadband connection.

Broadband phones make international calls more economical. Using the voice in data mode through the Internet allows anyone with the proper Internet bandwidth and the infrastructure to make international calls more affordably than they could with traditional phone companies.

All of this happens in a fraction of a second but many issues can arise to degrade the broadband phone service quality. A slow connection, bad phone, over-utilized bandwidth and a bad service provider can all degrade the quality of the phone call.

While broadband phone service uses VoIP not all VoIP is using broadband phone service, at least in the traditional sense. Companies with multiple office can communicate using VoIP over direct connections or over the public Internet. Even though between the remote offices they are communicating over VoIP when a call is made outside the company they can still use regular phone service (PSTN or T-1 service). This allows them to take advantage of Voice Over IP without the detriments of broadband phone service.

In addition to the features and services that each broadband internet phone provider offers, you should also look at their levels of customer service. Things do go wrong from time to time but Vonage offer full 24/7 support via their web site. If you are considering a broadband internet phone, Vonage may be the best place to start your research as given their renowned customer service, quality products and keen pricing you will have a solid base to move forward your investigations.

Another issue that arises with broadband phone service providers is their longevity. Since it’s relatively inexpensive to start a VoIP company you should be extra cautious about the background of the company before you commit your number. Many consumers have been burnt by using new companies who offered too good to be true deals. Sometimes when it’s “too good to be true” it IS too good to be true. Buyer beware.

Filed under: Communications